Carrubbella is among the oldest neighborhoods in Monreale, along with San Vito and Pozzillo. It takes its name from the carob tree that used to grow there spontaneously.
Due to the robustness and heaviness of its wood, the carob tree was used to build ships and furniture. As a result, the area was inhabited by carpenters and craftsmen who frequently used it for their work.
Historically, the seeds of this plant, very hard and oval-shaped, were once used as weights for gold, silver, and precious stones. The neighborhood is divided into an ancient area with low houses, sloping roofs, and small windows, and a newer area with modern settlements and buildings featuring courtyards, alleys, arches, staircases, and some votive shrines.
